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Head your Biblbs—'be much in Prayer, 

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SUPERINTENDENT'S 

F F E R I N G -^ 



BRIEF MEMOIR 



OF TWO SCHOLARS 



MASON STREET SABBATH SCHOOL., BOSTON, 




BY THE SUPERINTENDENT. 



M 



REVISED BY THE COMMITTEE OF PUBLICATION. 



BOSTON: 

MASSACHUSETTS SABBATH SCHOOL SOCIETY. 
Depository, No 13 Cornhill, 

1837. 






* "i .s - * v ft -V * f-„ 



Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1837, by 

CHRISTOPHER C. DEAN, 
in the Clerk's Office of the District Court of Massachusetts. 



J2f3 






* THE MEMBERS OF 

MASON STREET SABBATH SCHOOL, 

IN BOSTON, 
THIS LITTLE VOLUME, 

GIVING AN ACCOUNT, DELIVERED IN THEIR HEARING, OF TWO OF 
THEIR ASSOCIATES, WHO HAVE RECENTLY BEEN REMOVED 

B^g- DEATH, 
IS DEDICATED 

BY THEIR 

AFFECTIONATE FRIEND AND SUPERINTENDENT, 

S. H. W. 

Boston, January 1, 1837. 



PREFACE 



In presenting the following pages to 
my young friends, I am not unmindful 
of the truth conveyed in the following 
remarks, from the pen of a distinguish- 
ed and discriminating author of the 
present day.* He observes: — " In our 
religious obituaries, there is too great 
an insertion of at least one kind of 
peaceful and happy deaths. I mean 
those deaths with which the life has no 
correspondence, — for which it is no 
preparation, — and of which it yields no 

* Rev. Wfli. Jay. 

1* 



VI PREFACE. 

reasonable hope. * * * * It be- 
comes us, in many instances, to rejoice, 
not only with trembling, but with si- 
lence ; and to remember, that the evi- 
dences which encourage us, must be, 
from the very nature of the case, dubi- 
ous. We ought to remember, that 
' light is sown for the righteous, and 
joy for the upright in heart ; ' and that 
we are to ' run the race set before us, 
in order to reach the prize of our high 
calling : ' and that the frequent exhibi- 
tion of careless, worldly, wicked lives 
being closed with a work of grace, 
will have a tendency to prevent a salu- 
tary fear, and to keep alive a presump- 
tuous hope." 

If I did not conscientiously believe 
that the instances which follow, are 
exceptions in the present case, — what- 
ever might be my private feelings and 
attachments,— I should never consent 



PREFACE. Vll 



to give you these Memoirs, in the form 
they now assume. 

My conviction of their usefulness, — 
particularly with reference to the mem- 
bers of the school with which the de- 
ceased individuals were connected, — is 
confirmed by the opinion of those on 
whose judgment I rely more than upon 
my own. But, perhaps, it may be well, 
to improve this opportunity, in remind- 
ing the youth, who may read these 
pages, of the imminent hazard to which 
they are exposed, in neglecting the call 
of love, till the opening realities of 
eternity make it a call of terror. My 
young friends, it is in this way you fail 
to illustrate that " religion is a thing to 
live by, as well as to die by ; " — you 
lose the opportunity of exerting a 
healthy, extensive, and most salutary 
influence among your companions ; — 
you allow yourselves but a very short 



Vlll PREFACE* 

and uncertain season for preparation in 
the great concern of death ; and if, 
through rich and infinite grace, you are 
saved yourselves, you go, as it were, 
alone into heaven, instead of being the 
instruments, — as you would in all prob- 
ability be, — of winning others into the 
path of glory, and having an abundant 
entrance ministered unto you, into the 
everlasting kingdom of your Redeemer. 
In the instances we are about to 
consider, how many advantages these 
youth had foi\ becoming acquainted 
with truth, and for having their last 
days and hours employed, through the 
friends around them, in an appropriate 
and useful manner, which, in ordinary 
cases, are not enjoyed ! How many 
diseases are there, which distract the 
mind with pain and delirium, so that it 
cannot call in its thoughts for the sol- 
emn work of preparation for death ! 



PREFACE. IX 

And how many are hurried, by sudden 
accident, into the presence of an angry 
God! And then, the thought should 
never be forgotten, that, though at the 
eleventh hour you may become fitted 
to shine as a glorified spirit in heaven, 
yet the evil you must inevitably have 
done, by continuing, till nearly the end 
of life, in a state of impenitence, is as 
active and as everlasting as your 
praises! Never forget, that every one 
who acts a part in the great drama of 
life, leaves, at his departure, an impres- 
sion and an influence more or less 
extensive and lasting. The grave of 
the peasant and the mausoleum of the 
prince are alike vocal. On each may 
be inscribed, — 

"he being dead, yet speaketh." 

Be watchful, then, my dear young 
friends, from day to day, and strive 



PREFACE. 



that your example may be such that 
generations to come, over which your 
life may exert an important and ever- 
growing influence, may have abundant 
occasion to bless God that you ever 
lived upon the earth, and that you 
transmitted to them a fame pure as 
the dew-drop, and imperishable as the 
throne of God. 

And now, if the Spirit of God 
shall condescend to make these pages 
instrumental in awakening the atten- 
tion of a single youth to the great con- 
cerns of eternity, and leading him, as a 
humble penitent, to the cross of Christ, 
my humble labors will be richly re- 
warded. 



MEMOIR 



O F 



TIMOTHY S. CUMMINGS. 



Death is at all times a solemn thing ; and 
the command, " Prepare to meet thy God," 
must fill every mind with solemn awe. But 
to one who has made his peace with God, 
through the blood of Jesus Christ, and has, 
by true repentance of sin and a cordial belief 
in the Savior, cast himself on the Divine mer- 
cy, death is usually met with holy composure, 
— frequently with joy and triumph. And why 
should it not be so ? It is the gate through 
which we enter our Father's house on high ; 
the messenger which conveys us 'to a Savior's 
arms, — which places us beside the still waters, 
and in the green pastures of the heavenly 
Canaan. 



12 a superintendent's offering. 

These remarks have been suggested by the 
recent death of Timothy S. Cummings, 
who was, for about twelve years, a member of 
this school, and for several of the latter years, 
connected with our Bible class. He had at- 
tained the age of twenty ; and by his domes- 
tic habits, his filial respect and affection, his 
industry and faithful attention to the concerns 
of one of our most respectable mercantile es- 
tablishments, had secured the friendship and 
w r arm attachment of a wide circle of friends. 

Thanks be to God, the last end of our 
young friend was peace, — emphatically peace! 
He had felt the bitterness of sin, and loathed 
and hated it. The provisions of the Gospel 
were exactly adapted to his necessities, and he 
embraced them ; the compassion of his heav- 
enly Father he saw and admired, — the conde- 
scension and kindness of the Savior he felt 
and rejoiced in. And how did he arrive at 
this state of mind ? By admitting the claims 
of God, — by perceiving the value of Christ's 
atonement for the sins of a guilty world, — by 
giving his affections to the Savior, and by 
using the little residue of life in speaking well 



a superintendent's offering. 13 

of Him who has bought us with his blood, and 
urging those about him to " flee," as he had 
done, "to the hope set before them in the 
Gospel." 

I had heard nothing of the sickness of 
Cummings, till Sabbath, the 14th of August 
last, one of his young companions in the Bible 
class informed me of it. He had been absent 
in the country for about three months, and 
had just returned ; but it seems without any 
improvement of health. His complaint was on 
the lungs. I called to see him on the after- 
noon of Monday, the 15th of August. He 
had been, for several years, in my Bible class, 
before I took the superintendence of this 
school. He appeared pleased to see me, 
though he conversed but little. He said he 
had been more comfortable that day, — that 
he w^as improving, — and that his disease was 
not seated. When I first saw him, I thought 
I perceived that death had marked him for an 
early victim, and 1 wished to have him take a 
right view of his situation, as soon as possible. 
I knew it was the wish of his mother ; and, 
accordingly, in the gentlest and most prudent 
2 



14 a superintendent's offering. 

way I could devise, — looking to God for a 
blessing on what I might say, — I observed to 
him, that his disease was a very flattering one, 
as he must know ; and that if it was consump- 
tion, as he apprehended, he must be sensible 
that it would baffle all medical skill ; — but, at 
any rate, whether this was or was not to be 
his last sickness, it was the part of wisdom to 
prepare for what might take place; and a 
good hope of heaven, and the favor of God, 
would be infinitely desirable, let the issue be 
as it might. 

I told him I had always felt a deep interest 
in him, and wished to see him safe for eternity, 
and building upon the rock Christ Jesus ; that 
I had heard, with great pleasure, of his exem- 
plary and correct moral conduct ; but that he 
must remember this was not religion, — this 
would not, by itself alone, save his soul. The 
account of the rich young man, in the Gospel, 
would prove this. I spoke of the beauty and 
simplicity of the gospel scheme, — of its per- 
fect adaptation to our wants as sinners, and of 
the infinite importance of his closing now with 
the offer of Heaven. I asked him, if God 



a superintendent's offering. 15 

should think best to call him out of the world 
by this sickness, whether he was ready to 
leave ? He said, " he was not," I replied, 
"how amazingly important, then, is it, that 
you should give attention to this concern now !" 
This consideration I pressed very affectionately 
and earnestly, and left him soon afterwards. 
He thanked me for the call with much cordiali- 
ty, and requested me to repeat my visit. On 
the 20th of August (Saturday), I wrote him a 
few lines, and sent him a couple of little arti- 
cles, that I thought might direct his mind, and 
be better, for a day or two, than conversation. 
On the next day (Sabbath), his mother ■ sent 
for me, at the Sabbath school-room, to call upon 
him after divine service in the afternoon. Upon 
visiting him, I found him much reduced. He 
had ridden a short distance. At his mother's 
desire, I read a few verses from Acts, 7 : 
16 — 34, and prayed with him. His mind was 
still dark. His physician had told him his 
danger ; and he had given up his expect- 
ation of life. His mother told me she believed 
that religion now occupied his thoughts, and 
that his mind was dwelling upon it. 



16 a superintendent's offering. 

Intending to leave the city for Northampton, 
on Tuesday morning, for a few days, I gave 
him such counsels as I was able, begging him 
to look away from every thing earthly, and to 
6x his thoughts and views on the great scenes 
that were so soon to open upon him, I prom- 
ised, also, to see him immediately on my 
return. 

On Monday morning, August 22d, his 
mother sent for me to see him, as his mind 
was much distressed. I called at about 12 
o'clock at noon, and told him that I could not 
leave the city without once more seeing him ; 
and that I wished him to be frank with me r 
and tell me just how he felt in his mind. He 
looked at me with great earnestness and so- 
lemnity, and said, u Mr. W., it is too. late for 
me, — 1 fear it is too late. I have grieved 
away the Holy Spirit.'' I replied, " Perhaps 
not. Your apprehensions and grief, in view 
of such a thing, are very favorable indications 
that, so far from having grieved Him away, 
He is striving with you, and desirous to become, 
in your own experience, the blessed Comforter .'* 
I asked him, " do you not feel sorrow for sin ? 



A SUPERINTENDENT S OFFERING. 17 

Do you not see the loveliness of the Savior ? 
and do you not wish his favor and friendship ?" 
" O yes," he replied ; " but I am afraid the 
Savior will not receive me." I then referred 
to the case of a tender earthly parent who 
had been always kind,— but from whom a 
child had unnaturally and ungratefully broken 
away ; — if he saw this child returning with pen- 
itence, and the most humble acknowledge- 
ments, — willing to submit to any discipline the 
father might think proper to impose, — wishing 
only to be restored to his favor, and ready to 
take the lowest place in his family : I asked 
him whether he did not think such a parent 
would be willing to receive the prodigal child, 
— whether he would not let the rod fall from 
his hand, and say, " It is enough, my child ; I 
have accomplished my object. My child is 
dear to me as before ; and* my Will, which 
disinherited him, shall be destroyed. He is 
my child still, and I will cordially take him to 
my arms." "O yes," he said. "Then," I 
observed, s < will not Gon receive the true pen- 
itent, who comes to him, believing in Christ, 
pleading his merits, and laying low at his 



18 a superintendent's offering. 

feet?" He assented, and appeared much 
softened in the view of God's mercy and for- 
bearance, as though he had never regarded 
Him in this light before. Immediately he 
dropped on his knees, by the sofa, and cried, 
with deep feeling, " God be merciful to me a 
sinner! Pity me, O God! forgive my many 
sins ! O, how have I offended against the 
good God ! I have sinned, I have done fool- 
ishly. I deserve thy displeasure. But do not 
cast me away. O, hear me, for Christ's sake, 
and save my soul ! " After a few more peti- 
tions like these, he ceased. And I kneeled at 
his side, and supplicated for him anew the 
blessings he had asked, — imploring the life- 
giving, and refreshing, and enlightening influ- 
ences of the Holy Spirit, at this most inter- 
esting moment. While I was speaking, he 
cried out, " I think light is coming into my 
mind. 1 think I see something of heaven : I 
feel as if all was not lost." After we rose, I 
conversed with him for some time, — read to 
him a number of passages of Scripture, and 
placed them on paper for him to look at, when 
I was gone. I told him that I had a strong 



a superintendent's offering. 19 

faith that he would be a child of God, and an 
heir of heaven, — and gave him as many cau- 
tions and counsels as I was able, that he might 
be saved from self-deception, and the sugges- 
tions of the great adversary of souls. The 
hour of two had arrived, and as I was to leave 
the city the next day, I was obliged to bid 
him farewell. He took me by the hand, and 
said, " You are one of my best friends. I 
want you to be with me ail the time. 5 ' Just 
as I was leaving, he asked me, with great em- 
phasis, " Do you think I shall be a Christian ?" 
He begged me to call and see him once more 
before 1 left the city, and wished I would get 
some Christian friend to call and converse, 
while I was absent. " Do talk to me," says 
he, " all the time about these things. I have 
not many days to live. I must think only of 
my sou!. I don't want to hear any thing, or 
see any thing, that will divert my mind from 
this great work." His mother appeared to be 
doing something at the table, with reference to 
some fruit, sent by a friend. He said, " Moth- 
er, I don't want to attend to any thing world- 
ly." He said to me, " You remember I spoke 



20 a superintendent's offering. 

to you about my grieving away the Holy Spirit. 
I knew the particular time when I thought I 
did so. I was invited to a party, at a time 
when my mind was quite serious (a time of 
revival in this city, in 1831). I did not want 
to go, but the friends were those I could hardly 
refuse, and they urged me very strongly. I 
felt it was wrong to go. My conscience 

TOLD ME, VERY LOUDLY, THAT I WAS DOING 

wrong. Yet I went, and from that day my 
serious feelings began to subside, and I have 
not, till now, been anxious about my soul." 
I referred to several passages of Scripture in 
relation to this subject, and explained to him, 
as I was able, those which appeared to trouble 
him. I left him in some degree tranquilized, 
and saw him for a few minutes again in the 
afternoon. He begged me to return from 
Northampton as soon as I could ; and I left 
him with his mind dwelling on the momentous 
business of his salvation, with great earnest- 
ness, and I thought with new and encouraoin£ 
views. 

1 wrote him a few lines from Northampton, 
designed to fix his mind as regarded several 



a superintendent's offering. 21 

subjects of our conversation, and presenting 
him some questions for self-examination. This 
I found, on my return, he had read over sever- 
al times. I returned on Friday evening, and 
on Saturday morning, the 27th of August, 
called upon him. He was much weaker 
than when I saw him last. He was in bed, 
and spoke with difficulty, and but little. I 
asked his mother how he had been since I saw 
him on Monday, — meaning in relation to the 
body. " About the same," she replied. Tim- 
othy said immediately, " as regards the hody." 
"But, Mr. W.," says he, "I have lost the 
burden from my mind. It is gone. I think 
I am not deceived ; " — referring, I supposed, 
to the questions proposed in my letter. I had 
requested my son to see him in my absence. 
He called upon him on Thursday, and Timo- 
thy spoke to his mother of the subject of my 
son's remarks (the doctrine of the atonement), 
and appeared to derive light and comfort from 
the view he took of it. 

His faith seemed steady, and his hope bright 
and strong. He wished me to pray with him. 
I told him, as I was leaving, I would endeavor 



22 a superintendent's offering. 

to see him on the morrow. He said, " don't 
fail." I had told him, in a previous conversa- 
tion, that he could, even now, in his sick room, 
honor his Savior, and promote his cause ; 
that the thief on the cross, bore a testimony 
to the purity, and innocence, and divinity of 
Christ, under peculiarly unfavorable circum- 
stances. He said, " How can I ? " I told 
him he could speak well of Him, who had 
done so much for his soul. He might say, 
with great effect, " Come, taste and see that 
the Lord is good, — blessed are all they that 
put their trust in him." I learned from his 
mother, that he afterwards used every opportu- 
nity to say a word, which he thought might be 
useful to his young friends and others, who 
called upon him, — urging them to pause in 
their course, and think of another world, and 
prepare for death. 

To one young friend, whom he questioned 
with much solicitude, he gave particular and 
earnest counsel ; and he received a promise 
from the person, that he would give attention 
to the concerns of his soul. This young 
friend has fulfilled his promise, — has seen the 



A SUPERINTENDENT S OFFERING. 23 

glory of the Gospel, — has embraced the 
Savior, and is now enjoying a humble hope of 
having passed from death unto life.* 

On Sabbath, August 28th, after public wor- 
ship in the afternoon, I called upon Timothy. 
Found him still weaker in body. He was in 
bed. He had ridden almost every day till 
this. I asked him how his mind was? He 
said, very distinctly, " happy." It was diffi- 
cult for him to speak at all. He labored for 
breath, — was rather feverish, and his side was 
painful, from lying long in one position. I 
spoke to him of the nearness of heaven, and 
of the sweetness of that society he was soon 
to enjoy. He assented, and said he thought 
he could continue here but a little time. At 
his desire, I prayed with him, and left him at 
about 6 o'clock, P. M. 

He continued very much as he had been, 
till Wednesday morning, about 8 o'clock, 

* Since writing this, I learn that another instance has 
occurred of genuine conversion to God, in the case of a 
young female, with whom Timothy conversed a few days 
before his death. She ascribes her change of views and 
feelings, to his faithful, solemn conversation. 



24 a superintendent's offering. 

when his spirit was very gently disengaged 
from the body, and returned to Him who gave 
it; — returned, as I believe, to the bosom of his 
compassionate Redeemer, to spend an eternity 
in doing the will and celebrating the praises of 
his Father, Redeemer and Sanctifier. 

There are several useful lessons, that may 
be drawn from this brief account of our young 
friend. 

First. We are taught the value of Sab- 
bath school instruction. For twelve years, he 
was attached to the Sabbath school, and was 
always the respectful, the attentive, and the 
affectionate scholar. To this, I can bear full 
testimony. His portions of Scripture were 
committed to memory. His questions were 
serious and pertinent, — his ear was always 
open to instruction, — and he was habitually 
punctual in his attendance. Beloved pupil! 
I shall never again see you in that seat, where 
I have so often, when your immediate teacher, 
caught your inquiring eye, and listened to 
your interesting questions. But I will follow 
your spirit to the abode of our common Father 



a superintendent's offering. 25 

in heaven, and will hope to join you there, 
never more to be separated ! 

Second. We learn the danger of trifling 
with convictions, and yielding to amusements, 
— which, under some circumstances, might be 
allowable, — when the mind is brought into a 
serious frame, and the Spirit of God is evi- 
dently striving to impress it savingly with 
divine truth. Probably, the greatest mental 
suffering of our young friend, after he u came 
to himself" and saw what a God he had 
neglected, — what a Savior he had slighted, 
and what a holy Comforter he had grieved, 
arose from the thought, that he had indulged 
in the amusements of that one evening, when 
conscience, at the time, told him he was doing 
vjrong. 

Oh ! let the young bear this in mind ; and 

when a serious thought presents itself, let them 

cherish it, as a precious gift of God, and fan 

the heavenly flame, instead of quenching it 

amid the follies and gaieties of the world. 

'T is a tender visitant ; and the gentle guest, 

grieved at the coldness of its reception, returns 
3 



26 a superintendent's offering. 

to heaven, and bears a fearful account, to be 
recorded in God's great volume. 

Thirdly. We notice that the young 
Christian, immediately on seeing things clear- 
ly, is desirous that others may see what he 
does, and be as happy as he is. From the 
time Timothy began himself to indulge a 
hope, he ceased not to warn all who came to 
his bed-side, " to prepare to meet their God," 
knowing they could not be happy till they had 
made their peace with Him. And we see, in 
the instance of our young friend, what glorious 
results may arise from " the word spoken in 
due season." It is, indeed, " as a nail fasten- 
ed in a sure place." 

Fourthly. We learn that amiable con- 
duct and a correct moral life may exist where 
there is no true religion. There .can be no 
real religion, where there is not morality. But 
we see, continually, on every side, that there 
may be much morality without religion. From 
the time of the rich young ruler in the Gospel, 
to the present moment, there have been those 
amiable, lovely youths, that even the Savior, 



a superintendent's offering. 27 

beholding them merely as regards their exter- 
nal conduct, would have loved ; yet, when 
probed, as was that young ruler, by the all- 
searching eye of Christ, would be found 
destitute of that supreme love to God, which 
is the end and essence of all true religion. 

Cummings had been a dutiful son, an affec- 
tionate brother, a kind friend. His mother 
does not remember the time when a word 
from her would not recal him instantly into 
the right way, when she found him deviating 
from it. A clerical friend, who resided in the 
family, assured me, some time since, before his 
sickness, that he had noticed his conduct for 
many months, and it was a model of propriety. 
Yet, we see, with all this amiableness of out- 
ward conduct, he felt himself to be a sinner, — 
he experienced the bitterness of transgression ; 
and, casting himself upon the mere mercy of 
God in Christ, without any mention of any 
thing he had done, as a ground of justification, 
cried, in great agony, " God be merciful to me 
a sinner ! " 

Fifthly, and lastly. We are taught the 
often repeated lesson, that death may arrest 



28 a superintendent's offering. 

us at every age, and cut us down, with little 
or no warning. 

Less than three weeks since, Cummings 
thought his complaint not fixed, and that he 
was getting well. To-day, he is a tenant of 
the cold grave ; and that body, which we used 
to see in yonder seat, young, and fair, and 
promising as any one here, is now in the nar- 
row coffin, — in the land of darkness,- — and soon 
to be the food of worms ! 

My young friends, — " In such an hour as 

ye think not, the Son of man cometh." 

" I want but an hour to prepare for death," 
said a presumptuous and thoughtless sinner 
once, who was determined to live in sin ; and 
the next moment, by the immediate judgment 
of God, he was launched into eternity! 

I seem to hear a voice from Cummings' 
grave, saying to each one of us, " Prepare to 
meet thy God" And if his spirit could de- 
scend from the abodes of the blessed, and give 
us the counsel of heavenly wisdom, it would 
be the same lesson which proceeds from his 
grave : " Prepare to meet thy God." Teach- 
ers ! scholars ! are we ready ? Shall we not 



a superintendent's offering. 29 

be more faithful, more diligent than ever? 
Time is bearing us on fast to the judgment. 
The Judge is even now at the door. " What 
our hands find to do, let us do it with our might." 
These seats will soon be occupied by others. 
Our opportunities will all be gone. If they 
have been neglected, can we tell the misery 
which awaits us ? If they have been improv- 
ed, will all the ages of eternity be long enough 
to demonstrate the wisdom of our choice, and 
the blessedness of heaven ? 
3* 



30 a superintendent's offering. 
HYMNS 

SUNG AT 

MASON STREET SABBATH SCHOOL, 

On the Sabbath after the funeral of Timothy S. Cummings (a 

member of the Bible Class in Mason Street Sabbath School), 

who died, in the faith and hope of the Gospel, on 

Wednesday, August 31, 1836, aged 19. 



" Rejoice for a brother deceased ; 
Our loss is his infinite gain ; 
A soul out of prison released, 
And freed from his bodily chain. 

With songs, let us follow his flight, 
And mount with his spirit above, 

Escaped to the mansions of light, 
And lodged in the Eden of love. 

Our brother the haven hath gained, 
Out-flying the tempest and wind ; 

His rest he hath sooner obtained, 
And left his companions behind: 

Still tossed on a sea of distress, 

Hard toiling to make the blest shore, 

Where all is assurance and peace, 
And sorrow and sin are no more. 



a superintendent's offering. 31 

There all the blest company meet, 
Who went with the Savior beneath ; 

With shouting, each other they greet, 
And triumph o'er trouble and death. 

The voyage of life 's at an end ; 

The mortal affliction is past ; 
The age that in heaven they spend, 

For ever and ever shall last." 



Job xiv. L 

*' The days of man on earth are few, 
With troubles compassed round ; 
The joys he vainly would pursue, 
Are lost as soon as found. 

Man, like a fading flower, appears, 
Soon stripped of all its bloom ; 

Swift as a shadow, fly the years, 
That bear him to the tomb. 

O Lord ! from earth's debasing chain. 

Assist us to get free ; 
Nor let the world our hearts detain, 

Which should ascend to Thee. 

Teach us, on things of lasting worth, 

To fix our constant trust, 
That, when this mouldering heap of earth 

Turns to its native dust, 



3*2 a superintendent's offering. 

The soul may spread its joyous wings 
And leave, without a sigh, 

Earth's fading, transitory things, 
For joys that never die." 



Isaiah lxiv. 6, 

"As, crushed by sudden storms, the rose 
Sinks on the garden's breast, 
Down to the grave our brother goes, 
In earth's cold arms to rest. 

No more with us, his youthful voice 
The hymn of praise shall swell ; 

No more his cheerful heart rejoice 
To hear the Sabbath bell. 

Yet we believe, in yonder sphere, 

Amid a blessed throng, 
He warbles, to his Savior's ear, 

The everlasting song. 

No more, then, mourn our buried friend, 

But lift the ardent prayer, 
And every wish and effort bend, 

To rise and join him there." 



Rev. xiv. 13. " And I heard a voice from heaven, 
saying unto me, write, Blessed are the dead 

WHICH DIE IN THE LORD." 



MEMOIR 



© F 



ELIZABETH M. AKARMAN. 



*My Young Friends, — 

" Death's shafts fly very thick ;" for 
scarcely have we closed one tomb upon the 
remains of a beloved companion, but we are 
called to open another, to admit a fresh tenant 
into its dark bosom. I spoke to you, on the 
last Sabbath, of the decease of a youth, who 
had been, for many years, a member of this 
school, and whose last days were made bright 
and happy, from his cordial reception of the 
Gospel of Jesus Christ. [ am now to tell 
you of the death of a female member of the 
school, — Elizabeth M. Akarman, who has 
been one of our number for upwards of six 
years. Her happy spirit has burst from the 



34 a superintendent's offering, 

clay tabernacle, which had held it for sixteen 
years, and, we have good reason to believe, 
has found a sweet and everlasting resting- 
place in the bosom of its Savior. 

It cannot be uninteresting to you, to learn 
some few particulars as to her last sickness, 
and to know what it was, that smoothed her 
passage to the grave. If those lips could 
speak, that are now sealed in silence, and that 
glad eye could look upon us, which lately 
sparkled with so much brightness and intelli- 
gence, we should see and hear what could not 
but impress us. The voice would be one of 
warning and encouragement ; and you will 
hear, at the close of this account, the very 
words themselves. 

It was in the month of May last, I first saw 
Elizabeth in her sick room. She did not 
appear, to me, to realize how sick she was ; 
and being about to pass a little time in the 
country, she had, undoubtedly, strong hopes 
of recovery. But, on the 14th July, she re- 
turned, not only without any gain, but evi- 
dently weaker. After a journey I took, of 
about four weeks, I called on her in the after- 



a superintendent's offering. 35 

noon, and found her much more feeble than 
when I saw her last. I conversed with her 
for some time ; and to the question, as to her 
hope in regard to the future, she said, " she 
had no hope of her soul." After convers- 
ing with her further, and prayer, I left her, 
with my heart sinking within me, that I could 
say nothing and do nothing to arouse and 
direct her mind. 

I was again absent from the city, for some 
days ; and on the 29th of July, I saw her for 
an hour in the morning, and conversed very 
freely with her. She had become entirely 
satisfied, that her complaint was fatal, and that 
a little time only remained for her on earth. 
Her mind was rather more open, and her 
views, I thought, improving, though, as yet, 
without any hope of herself. I asked her if 
she was not satisfied that God was infinitely 
wise, and good, and powerful ? She said, 
"Yes." I asked her, then, if, in view of such 
a wise, good and powerful Being as God, she 
was not willing to leave herself in his hands ? 
She said, " Yes." I asked her whether she 



36 A SUPERINTENDENT S OFFERING. 

thought she did not more and more see a love- 
liness and glory in the Savior, and more than 
she used to ? She said, " she thought she did." 
1 began to hope, from this, that a favorable 
change in her state was taking place ; and I 
endeavored to show her the baseness and in- 
gratitude of sin, and the happiness, as well as 
duty, of renouncing it; and handed her a little 
tract, on the " Titles of Christ" recommend- 
ing her to look at one and another of these 
titles, and to endeavor, as she was able, to rest 
upon him for the day, sometimes as her Rock, 
at others as her Surety; sometimes as her 
Advocate, — sometimes as her great Teacher, 
— sometimes as her High Priest, — and some- 
times as her King. I left her, with prayer, 
and indulging a hope, that the light might be 
breaking in upon her soul. 

On the Sabbath following (31st July), she 
appeared, as I am informed by the family, 
in an interesting state of mind. She conversed 
more than usual, and told her mother, she had 
been committing to memory one of the " Se- 
lect Hymns," which she thought described her 



a superintendent's offering. 37 

feelings better than she could herself. It 

begins, — 

"'T is a point I long to know, 
Oft it causes anxious thought, 
Do I love the Lord, or no ? 
Am I his, or am I not ? " &c. 

Very providentially, a pious young man,- — 
a friend of the family, — who was about leav- 
ing the city for several weeks, called to see 
Elizabeth, towards the evening of this Sab- 
bath. He conversed with her very faithfully 
and fully, and prayed with her. She was 
evidently much interested in the conversation ; 
and expressing her pleasure in it to her mother, 
the young friend was requested, after tea, to 
see her again. In this second interview, he 
pressed the subject of immediate submission to 
God ; and the issue of the conversation was 
highly satisfactory. Upon one of the family 
going into the sick room, both were found 
weeping bitterly. "O, my dear A.," said 
Elizabeth, " I have good news to tell you. I 
think I have given my heart to Christ. Do 
forgive me for all that I have said to you that 
4 



38 a superintendent's offering. 

was unkind. Do call mother, that I may tell 
her." On seeing her mother, she repeated 
what she had said, and asked her forgiveness 
for all that she had ever done or said to her 
that was wrong. She then observed, " Mr. S. 
has made the way so plain, I could not resist 
any longer. I would not have believed I 
could have felt so different." She expressed 
great gratitude for the interest which Mr. S. 
took in promoting her soul's best interests, and 
said, " she should always love him, as long as 
she lived." She wanted all to pray for her, 
that she might have strength to keep the reso- 
lutions she had made. She said she felt too 
happy ; and could hardly be prevailed on to 
retire to her bed. She lay, without sleep, till 
4 o'clock the next morning. She then slept a 
little ; and when she awoke, called her mother, 
and requested her " not to mention the change 
in her mind to every one that came in." "I 
want my pious friends to know it," she said, 
"but I will tell them myself; for, perhaps, I 
may be mistaken. I feel happy, and rejoice 
in a Savior's love ; but perhaps it will not 
last." She was exceedingly modest, and diffi- 



a superintendent's offering. 39 

dent of herself; and was evidently fearful of 
taking too much encouragement. She con- 
versed with her friends, as they came in, as 
far as her strength would allow; and all who 
saw her, feel perfectly satisfied that a great 
and saving change had been wrought in her 
mind. Several times, she expressed a feeling, 
as though she ought to love the Savior more, 
and wanted to experience something of that 
longing desire for Him which some Christians 
have on their sick beds. 

I was absent again, from the city, part of 
the week, and called upon Elizabeth on Fri- 
day, Aug. 5, in the afternoon. I had been 
informed of the altered state of her mind 
before ; but she was not aware that I knew it. 
She appeared unusually pleased to see me, — 
took me by the hand very cordially, in a dif- 
ferent way from what she had ever done be- 
fore, and said, "Mr. W., I have good news to 
tell you ; and I know you will be glad to hear 
it. I think I have given my heart to Christ; 
and I have felt rejoiced, in being able to do 
so." She wept with joy. I remarked, " You 



40 a superintendent's offering. 

have then found Christ to be indeed precious, 
— the chiefest among ten thousand, and one 
altogether lovely." " I have," she replied ; 
" and I love to think of him, as he is discover- 
ed to me in the Gospel." She felt, she said, 
as if she could now look on heaven as her 
home ; and she saw a glory and excellence in 
the character of God, which she had never 
before beheld. I asked her, when she began 
to think and to feel so different from what she 
had done. She said she felt, the whole of last 
Sabbath, a something in her mind, which she 
could not describe ; — a sort of impression, as 
though light was coming in, and her views of 
spiritual things were clearing. She then re- 
lated the visit of the young friend, which I 
have before adverted to-. She said she felt, at 
the close of that conversation, as if she could 
give up all ; and she trusted she had given up 
her heart wholly and humbly to Christ. She 
had, from that time, felt a growing peace of 
mind, and confidence in God, and a holy joy, 
which she wanted words to express. " I ex- 
pected you would call soon," she added ; " and 



a superintendent's offering. 41 

I wanted to tell you, with my own lips, how 
happy I was ; for I thought it would give you 
pleasure.' 

" O, Mr. W.," said she, " how differently 
can I now answer those questions,* which 
you sent me, from what I could last week ! " 

She attempted to commit the 119th Psalm 
to memory, from a little book, which contained 
this single Psalm : but her strength was not 
equal to it. She, however, committed to 
memory a hymn which I had read to her, on 
a previous visit, commencing, — 

" When languor and disease invade 
This feeble house of clay," &c. 

She said, with great emphasis, " It is beauti- 
ful." She was much soothed, and apparently 
edified, with reading and hearing appropriate 
hymns. She turned to the hymn, — 

"Jerusalem, my happy home," 

and asked me to read it, as peculiarly sweet 

* I had given a tract hand-bill, No. 18, headed, " Im- 
portant Questions ," to every scholar, the week before, 
and had lent one to hen 

4* 



42 A SUPERINTENDENT^ OFFERING. 

to her. After prayer, — which she uniformly 
asked me to offer, and in which she appeared 
to be much interested. — as I was about retir- 
ing, she desired me to call again as soon as I 
could. 

I saw her on Monday, the 8th of August. 
She had been taken across the way, to a 
neighbor's house, for an hour, at her particular 
desire ; but the effort was too much. She 
never left her room after this. I named to her 
a line, which a pious lad, who died lately, 
quoted to his father, with much feeling ; 

•'Earth has no sorrow which Heaven cannot heal." 1 

She immediately pointed me to the line in the 
Memoir of Miss Anna Jane Linnard, which 
lay at her side ; and it appeared to me, as if 
the line had struck her own mind very for- 
cibly. 

I was absent from the' city again this week, 
and on Saturday, Aug. 13, called on Elizabeth 
again in the afternoon. I found her in a very 
calm and happy state of mind, and conversed 
with her some time. I read to her a little 



a superintendent's offering. 43 

article from " Nevins' Practical Thoughts," 
entitled, " Attractions of Heaven." She 
seemed much gratified with it. I spoke to her 
of the power of religion, in sustaining us under 
all trials, and the wonderful adaptation of the 
Gospel to all our multiplied and varied wants. 
She assented to the truth of the remark, with 
great readiness. She spoke to me of reading 
the 23d Psalm, with much pleasure. The 
hook of Psalms, she read in, during the few 
last days of her life, more than in any other. 
There was some conversation in the room, 
between myself and the sister of Elizabeth, on 
the subject of Christians recognizing each 
other in heaven. Elizabeth appeared to 
listen with great attention, but made no re- 
mark. 

I saw her again on Friday, the 19th of 
August. For some days, her bodily weakness 
had made her feel very uncomfortable ; and as 
she had seen several persons that day, and was 
somewhat exhausted, 1 told her mother, that 
perhaps I had better not then go into her 
room. She said she had asked Elizabeth, and 
she desired me to come in* I conversed with 



44 a superintendent's offering. 

her about thirty minutes. She was still weak- 
er than when I last saw her ; but, while the 
outward man was perishing, the inward man 
was sensibly renewed, day by day. I asked 
her of her hope in the Savior, and of her love 
to him. She said they remained as firm as 
ever. I observed, " You know, Elizabeth, on 
what you are building ; and that, as a sinner, 
you come to the Savior, with nothing of your 
own to rest upon." She assented readily to 
this, and added, " I feel ready to go, whenever 
God sees it right to take me." She said to 
me, in the course of the conversation, that she 
did not always read the Bible and hymns with 
the same sweet feeling. She did not know 
what it was owing to, but she could occasion- 
ally see a force and beauty in some passages, 
which, at another time, would be overlooked. 
I asked her, if she did not feel something of 
the same difficulty in prayer, — being at times 
more free and full than at others ? She said, 
" O, yes ; " and she seemed relieved, to find 
that others had a like cold and straitened mind 
beside herself. In this connection, she spoke 
of the hymn beginning, — 



a superintendent's offering. 45 

" What various hindrances we meet," &c. f 

with great pleasure, as what was her own 
experience. On leaving, I said, " Perhaps I 
had better omit praying with you, — as I have 
been accustomed to do, — on account of your 
being fatigued." " O, no," she said. "If 
you please, make a short prayer." She loved 
to hear the voice of prayer, at all times, and 
appeared sensibly refreshed by it. 

I spoke to her, just as I was leaving, of 
young Cummings, and observed, I wished he 
felt as she did. With a great deal of tender- 
ness, and her bright eye turned full upon me, 
she said, " O, I wish he did ! " How little, 
sweet spirit ! did you imagine that your 
prayer would be answered within four short 
days ! 

For some days, I was again absent from the 
city, and called, for a short time, on Elizabeth, 
on the 27th, and again on the 31st of August. 
I found her bodily strength very small, but her 
faith steadfast, and her hope bright. During 
her sickness, she had been fearful that she 
should be impatient ; and seemed, sometimes* 



46 a superintendent's offering. 

to desire, with peculiar earnestness, that the 
Savior would take her to himself. At one 
time, she said to me, with as much voice as 
her great weakness would allow, " O, why is 
Christ so long in coming ? " 

On Sept. 2d, Friday morning, early, I 
w 7 as informed, by the family, that Elizabeth 
was thought to be dying ; and they requested 
me to see her. It seems, she felt her end was 
very near, at about 2 o'clock in the morning ; 
and, at her desire, her immediate relatives 
were sent for. She told them, she wished to 
see them once more ; and took an affectionate 
leave of them all, sending appropriate mes- 
sages to several absent friends. To the ques- 
tions occasionally asked her, as to the state of 
her mind, she gave very satisfactory replies, 
and signified that she felt herself very happy, 
exclaiming, " O, happy, happy!" She was 
asked, how death appeared to her? " Sweet, 
sweet," she said, " to fall into the arms of 
Jesus ! " For several hours, she w r as speech- 
less ; and then reviving a little, looked round, 
and asked for some one to pray with her, add- 
ing, " I did not think my Savior would be so 



a superintendent's offering. 47 

lonjr coming at the last." She waited for a 
few moments, and then asked to have her 
Superintendent sent for, that he might pray 
with her once more. After I had been a little 
time with her, I asked if her hope remained 
steady, and her trust and confidence in the 
Savior unshaken ? She replied, " Yes," with 
great distinctness and composure. She said 
that " Christ was very precious to her." 
She said, " she had a strong desire to depart." 
I told her, Job said, " I will wait till my 
change come." She said, " I have not the 
patience of Job." When I had prayed with 
her, she thanked me for coming, though it was 
difficult now for her to speak. After this, she 
revived considerably, and obtained some sleep, 
for several hours. I saw her again at about 1 
o'clock, P. M. She was easier in body, and 
lay very composed. I spoke to her of that 
sweet promise, — " Thou wilt keep him in perfect 
peace, whose mind is stayed on thee, because 
he trusteth in thee ; " and of that, also, " I 
will never leave thee, nor forsake thee." She 
appeared to have these promises realized to 
her, in an eminent degree. 1 asked her, if she 



48 a superintendent's offering. 

had any message she would like to send to her 
young friends of the Sabbath school ? She 
intimated, by the motion of her head towards 
her sister, that she had sent one ; but I ascer- 
tained it was not to be delivered to me till 
after her death. 

I saw her again, at about 6 o'clock in the 
afternoon,— the last time I was permitted 
the privilege of seeing her alive. It was very 
difficult for her to speak ; but she was perfect- 
ly sensible, entirely calm and collected, and 
readily knew those about her. In a faint 
whisper to her mother, she requested that I 
might once more pray with her. Her mother 
remarked to me, that she seemed soothed and 
supported with the voice of prayer. I offered 
rather praise to God, for his supporting and 
comforting presence, and confided her to the 
great Shepherd, to bear her safely to the land 
of promise. I felt that I was not to see her 
again in the flesh ; and on leaving, reminded 
her, once more, of the precious promises on 
which she had been leaning. " I will make 
all thy bed in thy sickness," she had found 
to be true in her own experience : and I as- 



a superintendent's offering. 49 

sured her, that I believed God was now ful- 
filling his gracious promises to her, in the com- 
posure of her mind, — in her steadfast faith 
and hope in Him, — and in her freedom from 
distressing pains of body. She assented with 
her head. The last question I ever asked her, 
which was just as I was coming away, was, 
whether her confidence was as strong as ever, 
— and if she did not find the Savior still pre- 
cious, as she had done? She said, "Yes," 
very distinctly. During the day, she remained 
comparatively easy. She had suffered for 
several days, from shortness of breath, &c, 
more than for several weeks previous. 

Observing her mother weeping at her side, 
she said, " Mother, it is wrong for you to want 
me to stay here, when I shall be so happy, 
and when I shall be with my Savior." She 
said but little after this, only that she was 
happy, — happy to the last.* At half past 4 
o'clock, on the morning of the 3d instant, her 
immortal spirit was disengaged from the body ; 

* About half an hour before she expired, her mother 
asked if she knew her ? She replied by a kiss. She had 
no power to speak. 

5 



50 a superintendent's offering. 

and ascended, I doubt not, to that world of 
glory, into which she had been eagerly look- 
ing for many days. 

During the sickness of Elizabeth, I am 
informed that she frequently called for her little 
books and papers which she had received at 
the Sabbath school, from her teacher and 
others ; and would often remark, that it was 
delightful to sit and look over them, now that 
she was deprived of going there. She said, it 
brought to her mind how many privileges she 
had there enjoyed, and how many good lessons 
she had there been taught. 

Her mother was about writing to a cousin 
of Elizabeth, and asked if she had any mes- 
sage to send? "Yes," said Elizabeth, " tell 
her I never expect to see her again in this 
world, but hope I shall meet her in heaven ; — 
and tell her not to put off seeking an interest 
in Christ, till she comes to a bed of sickness ; 
but that now is the time, while she is in health." 

To a friend who spoke to her of the change 
in her appearance since the last winter ; " yes," 
said she, " you see that there is a change 

IN MY BODY ; BUT, WHAT IS OF MORE CONSE- 



a superintendent's offering. 51 

QUENCE, I FEEL THAT THERE IS A CHANGE IN 
MY MIND, AND A HAPPY CHANGE IT IS." She 

said, " God has spared me thus long, that he 
might change my wicked heart. O, I am 
afraid I am not grateful enough for this good- 
ness. Do pray for me that I may feel more 
grateful." 

At another time being asked if she had any 
fear of death, " O, no," said she, " I am both 
ready and willing to go ; but God is sparing 
my Mfe now, to see if my patience will hold 
out. I am afraid it will not." 

Seeing one of the family preparing to attend 
a union choir meeting at Bowdoin Street 
Church, she was asked if she should like to 
go ? She said, " I should like to hear them 
sing very much, but I will try to wait with 
patience, for I shall soon be where I shall hear 
a choir of angels singing, and that will be far 
better." 

Her sister asked if there was any petition 
she wished especially to have offered at the 
Sabbath school, on Sabbath morning, August 
28th. She said, " Pray that I may have 
patience." 



52 a superintendent's offering. 

She was asked if she had any message for 
the school. She said, " Yes ; after I am 
dead and gone, Mr. W. may tell them what I 
say." 

ELIZABETH'S MESSAGE. 

" Let Mr. W. tell the scholars, that since 1 
have been sick, I have often thought of them, 
and of the many precious privileges they are 
enjoying from, Sabbath to Sabbath ; and tell 
them that I do hope they will make a better 
improvement of them than 1 used to, when I 
went to the Sabbath school; but I now take 
a great deal of pleasure in thinking about 
what my teacher and superintendent used to 
say. Read your Bibles, and be much in 
prayer, and love the Savior who died for 
you, and be assured you will be happy. Do 
this while you are in health, and not put it 
off till you come to a bed of sickness. Be 
prepared for sickness, and for death. Oh ! 
the hour of death, without an interest in 
Christ, must be dreadful! Do be prepared 
for such an event, — it comes at an hour when 
we think not, and sometimes when we are 



a superintendent's offering. 53 

least prepared ; but 1 trust you will remember 
the dying request of your friend; and then 
we shall all meet in heaven, — superintendent, 
teachers and scholars. That we may, is the 
sincere desire of your friend, 

Elizabeth. 5 ' 

To all of us, in this school, — teachers and 
scholars, — another solemn and impressive les- 
son is taught, in relation to the great object 
which has led us to associate. Our grand 
business here, is to learn the will of God, and 
so to listen to the motives which his Word pre- 
sents, that we may faithfully do it. Every 
Sabbath, probably, takes from some teacher an 
opportunity of being useful, which was once 
enjoyed, — and prevents some child from at- 
tending to important instructions, which were 
once faithfully given. The present moment 
is all we can, any of us, count upon, and eter- 
nal consequences may be suspended on its 
improvement. 

To the class of which Elizabeth was a 
member, the voice of admonition and invitation 
5* 



54 a superintendent's offering. 

is, indeed, loud and solemn. One of its num- 
ber, of about Elizabeth's age, was taken to 
the Savior's arms, in 1832 ; and now, her 
teacher has resigned another spirit for the 
abodes of the blessed. 

From this teacher, I first learned the sick- 
ness of Elizabeth ; — and to her, was this be- 
loved pupil indebted for much thorough and 
useful instruction, and for many kind and valu- 
able attentions throughout her whole sickness. 
What a happy meeting will that be, when 
gathered home to glory in their Father's house 
on high, they will think of this Sabbath 
school, where they first met, and conversed 
about God and heaven, and the soul's best 
interest ! 

This account of our young friend is full of 
instruction. It shows us particularly the value 
of the Sabbath school, and affords new 
encouragement for the teacher to be faithful, 
and for the scholar to be attentive. Elizabeth 
was connected with the class of Miss P., for 
three years. And I am informed that she was 
uniformly punctual in her attendance, — absent 



a superintendent's offering. 55 

only when prevented by sickness ; — and her 
lessons were thorough! v studied in the week, 
so that she became w 7 ell acquainted with the 
truths and doctrines of the Bible. When her 
mind was enlightened, through the teachings of 
the Holy Spirit,- — and she began to feel as well 
as know the truth, — then the instructions she 
had received, and the passages of Scripture 
she had committed to memory, came to her 
mind with great power, and assisted her 
much in the views she took of the great things 
of eternity. 

My dear friends, w 7 hat can I add to these 
things, and to the most affecting appeal, which 
the message of our departed sister presents 
you, in her own words, placed on paper, as she 
dictated them ! Is it not a voice from heaven, 
crying to us, "Come up hither?" Shall this 
beloved sister die in vain ? Do not many 
hearts, at this very moment, feel that they have 
too long put off the concerns of their soul ; 
and are there not, through the gentle strivings 
of the Spirit, in this solemn hour, some holy 
resolutions forming in many breasts, that they 



56 a superintendent's offering. 

will henceforth live for God ? Cherish, — O, 
cherish the good purpose, and let it appear in 
the great day, that the message of Elizabeth, 
was, indeed, the message of God, and proved 
the messenger of mercy to your souls I 



a superintendent's offering, 57 



HYMNS 



SELECTIONS FROM THE SCRIPTURES, 

With reference to the late Elizabeth JVL Akarman, a member 
<of Mason Street Sabbath School {who died, happy in the 
hope of salvation through Jesus Christ, on Sat- 
urday, Sept. 3, 1836, aged 16 years) ,• 
used by the School^ on Sabbath 
afternoon, Sept. 11, 1836. 



HYMN. 

Job i. 20, 2L 

** Our hearts are fastened to this world, 
By strong and numerous ties: 
And every sorrow cuts a string, 
And urges us to rise. 

When God would kindly set us free> 

And earth's enchantment end, 
He takes the most effectual way, 

And robs us of a friend. 

Since vain all here, all future vast, 

Embrace the lot assigned ; 
Heaven wounds to heal; its frowns are friends; 

its strokes severe, most kind. 



58 a superintendent's offering. 

O, for that summit of my wish, 
Whilst here I draw my breath, 

The promise of Eternal Life, 
A glorious smile in death." 



SELECTIONS STROM. TIIE SCRIPTURES, 

Read alternately by the Superintendent and school. 

Lord, thou hast been our dwelling place in all genera- 
tion?. 

Before the mountain& were brought forth, or ever 

thou hadst formed the earth, and the world, 
Even from everlasting to everlasting thou art God. 

Thou turnest man to destruction, 
And sayest, return ye children of men. 

I know that I shall be brought to death, 
And to the house appointed for all living* 

One generation cometh, 
And another goeth. 

What man is he that liveth, and shall not see death ? 
Shall he deliver Ms soul from the grave? 

We brought nothing into this world, 
And it is certain we can carry nothing ouL 



a superintendent's offering. 59 

Some come to their grave in a full age ; 
Others die in their strength, at ease and quiet ; 
And others in the bitterness of their souls. 

Young men are cut off from the streets ; 
Children are far from safety. 

The voice said " en/," 
And he said, " what shall I cry?" 
All flesh is grass and all the goodliness thereof is as 
the flower of the field. 

The grass withereth, the flower fadeth, 
But the word of our God shall stand for ever, 

Man goeth to his long home, 

And the mourners go about the streets. 

Lover and friend hast thou put far from me, 
And mine acquaintance into darkness. 

You will go to her, 

But she shall not return to you. 

But the Lord liveth, he is the same, 
And his years shall not fail. 

God is a refuge in the day of affliction; 

The father of the fatherless, and a judge of the widows, 

I, even I, saith the Lord, am he that comforteth thee. 

Affliction cometh not forth of the dust ; 

Neither doth trouble spring out of the ground. 



60 a superintendent's offering^ 

This is the Lord's doing. 

And in his hand is the soul of every Irving things 

Hear the rod, 

And who hath appointed it. 

No chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous but 
grievous ; 

Nevertheless, afterward, it yieldeth the peaceable 
fruit of righteousness to them which are exer- 
cised thereby. 

All things work together for good, 
To them who love God. 

Weep with them that weep. 
Jesus wept. 

TJie time is short, and the fashion of this world pass- 

eth away. 
What, then, is a man profited, if he shall gain the 

whole world, and lose his own soul ? 

Turn not away from him that speakeih from heaven. 
How shall we escape, if we neglect so great sal- 
vation ? 

There is no peace, saiih my God, to the wicked. 
But great peace have they who love God's law. 

The righteous are taken away from the evil to come. 
They shall hunger no more, neither thirst any more. 



a superintendent's offering. 61 

For the Lamb, which is in the midst of the throne, shall 
feed them ; and shall lead them unto living foun- 
tains of water. 

And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes. 

Wherefore, comfort ye one another with these words. 



HYMN. 

"Friend after friend departs: 

Who hath not lost a friend ? 
There is no union here of hearts, 
That finds not here an end. 
Were this frail world our final rest, 
Living or dying, none were blest. 

Beyond the flight of time, 

Beyond the reign of death, 
There surely is some blessed clime, 
Where life is not a breath ; 
Nor life's affections transient fire, 
Whose sparks fly upward and expire. 

There is a world above, 

Where parting is unknown ; 
A long eternity of love, 

Formed for the good alone ; 
And faith beholds the dying here, 
Translated to that glorious sphere. 

6 



62 a superintendent's offering. 

Thus, star by star declines, 
Till all are passed away ; 
As morning high and higher shines, 
To pure and perfect day: 
Nor sink the stars in empty night, 
But hide themselves in heaven's own light." 



HYMX. 

"Thou art gone to the grave! but we will not 
deplore thee, 
Though sorrows and darkness encompass the 
tomb ; 
Thy Savior has passed through its portal before 
thee, 
And the lamp of his love is thy guide through 
the gloom. 

Thou art gone to the grave ! we no longer behold 
thee, 
Nor tread the rough paths of the world by thy 
side; 
But the wide arms of mercy are spread to enfold 
thee, 
And sinners may die, for the sinless has died! 



a superintendent's offering. 63 

Thou art gone to the grave ! and its mansion 
forsaking, 
Perchance thy weak spirit in fear lingered long ; 
But the mild rays of Paradise beamed on thy waking, 
And the sound which thou heard'st was the ser- 
aphim's song. 

Thou art gone to the grave! but we will not 
deplore thee, 
Whose God was thy ransom, thy guardian and 
guide ; 
He gave thee — He took thee — and He will restore 
thee, 
And death has no sting, for the Savior has died? 



Jesus Christ says, "I am the resurrection and 
the life: he that believeth in me, 

THOUGH HE WERE DEAD, YET 



PUBLICATIONS 



OF THE 



MASS. SABBATH SCHOOL SOCIETY, 

DEPOSITORY No. 13 CORNHILL. 



C. C. DEAN, Agent, 



Price. 

Memoirs and Select Remains of Charles Pond, 21 

John Arch, 09 

Memoir of the Rev. Samuel Davies, . . 21 
Memoir of Mrs. Myra W. Allen, 2d edition, . 33 

Memoir of Mary West, 12 

Memoir of William P. Hutchinson, . . 09 

Memoir of Lucy Maria Bigelow, 2d edition, 12 
Memoir of Hannah B. Cook, 2d edition, . . 09 
Memoir of Ann Elizabeth Pierce, . . .09 

Memoir of Jane Judson, 21 

William x\bbott Douglass, . . . .09 
The Stan wood Family, or the History of the 
American Tract Society, 2d edition, . . 24 



2 Publications of the 

Price. 

Stories and Sermons for infant Minds, . . 13£ 
The Widow of Monmouth, or Family Instruc- 
tion. Part 1 24 

The Widow of Monmouth, or Family Instruc- 
tion. Part II. . . - . . . .24 

The Reformation : a true Tale of the Sixteenth 
Century, 37£ 

Plea for the Heathen : or Heathenism ancient 
and Modern, 30 

The little Osage Captive, . . . .15 

The Great Apostasy, . . . . .33 

Letters to a Sister, 37i 

The False Prophet, 28£ 

Conversations on the Mission to the Arkansas 

Cherokees, 13J 

Religious Exercises for Christian Families, on 

Infant Baptism, 18 

The Lottery Prize, 09 

Letters to little Children, or the History of 

little Sarah, 12 

The Temperance Reformation, . . . 374 

The Tract Distributor, 18 

The Pilgrims, 09 

Letters from China, 2 J 

Conversations on the Bombay Mission, 2d edi- 
tion, 24 






Mass, Sabbath School Society. 3 

Price. 

History of the Pilgrims, 2d edition, . . 24 

The Village Pastor, 21 

An Epitome of the Evidences of Christianity, 24 
History of James Mitchell, . . . .18 
The Naval Chaplain, 2d edition, . . .21 
Louisa Ralston : or what can I do for the Hea- 
then ? 21 

Claims of the Africans, 33 

Hugh Clifford : or prospective Missions on the 
North- West Coast, 15 

Memoir of Felix Neff, Pastor of the High Alps, 21 

Robert Cutts Whidden, 3d edition, . . .09 

Memoir of Miss Susanna Anthony, . . 24 

Conversations on the Sandwich Islands Mis- 
sion, 2d edition, 30 

Conversations on the Choctaw Mission, . . 30 

Conversations on the Mackinaw and Green- 
Bay Missions, 2d edition, . . . .21 
Ceylon Mission, 2d edition, .... 28i 
Cherokee Mission, 2d edition, . . . . 24 

Indian Missions at Seneca, Tuscarora and Cat- 
taraugus, in the State of New York, and 
Maumee, in the State of Ohio, 2d edition, . 18 

Letters on the Chickasaw and Osage Missions, 
2d edition, 24 

A Biblical Catechism, designed for infant Sab- 
bath Schools. No. I. 4th edition, . . 05 



4 Publications of the 

Price. 

Biblical Catechism. No. II. 2d edition, . 05 

Biblical Catechism. No. Ill 05 

Facts, designed for Sabbath School Libraries. 

Part 1 21 

First Foreign Mission, 25 

The Life of Columba, the Apostle of Scotland, 20 

Memoir of George Shepard Boltwood, . . 12 

Life of Amos Pettengill, 37£ 

Prospective Missions in Abyssinia, . . .18 

The Dark Ages, 16 

The Child's Pilgrim's Progress, . . . 37£ 

History of the Waldenses, . . . .42 

The Mount of Vision, 20 

Anna Elmore, or Trials of Infancy, 2d edition, 18 

The History of the American Education Soci- 
ety, 2d edition, 21 

Hints and Sketches for Young Minds, 2d edi- 
tion, . ..... 21 

Scraps from an Agent's Note Book : or Facts 
designed for Sabbath School Libraries. Part 
II. . . . . ... . . . .21 

The Model Famity, 2d edition, . . .19 

Conviction not Conversion : illustrated in the 
Life of Rev. Thomas Halyburton, . . 12 

The happy Family made happier: or the Res- 
urrection of Lazarus, 2d edition, . s .15 



Mass, Sabbath School Society. 5 

Price. 

Memoir of Caroline S — , . . .12 

The true word of Prophecy : or Prophecy ful- 
filled in the Destruction of Babylon, . 12 

The Life of the Prophet Jeremiah, . . 12 

Mary Inglis, the beloved Domestic, . . 18 

Second Foreign Mission, . . .30 

Memoir of Sarah xlnn Bliss, . . .12 

Sabbath School Missionary Association, . 12 

Fragments from the Note Book of a Home 
Missionary, . . . . .24 

Heaven, or the World of Glory, . .15 

The Golden Rule, . . . .15 

Story of Ruth the Moabitess, . . .25 

The Life of Peter the Apostle, . : 30 

The Wyandot Chief: or the History of Barnet, 

a converted Indian, and his two sons, . 20 
The Dead Bird, 12 

The Mountain Ramble, together with a Story 

of a little boy of four, . . .08 

The Lollards, . . . . .35 

Gilbert Douglas : or a Sabbath at my Grand- 
father's, . . . . . 13J 

Sabbath School Songs. By Lowell Mason, . J2£ 

Female Influence : or the temperance Girl, . 22J 

Prospective Missions in Sumatra, &c, . 21 

Prospective Missions in Java, . . .21 



6 Publications of the 

Price. 

Prospective Missions in China, . . 21 

The African Traveler, or Prospective Missions 
in Central Africa, . . . .24 

The Sabbath School Visiter. Vol. I. . .50 

The Sabbath School Visiter. Vol. II. . . 50 

The Sabbath School Visiter. Vol. III. . 50 

The Sabbath School Visiter. Vol. IV. . 50 

Map of Palestine, . . . 1.00 

Map of Palestine, on rollers, 3| feet by 2J, 2.00 

Story of the Prodigal, . . . .12 

The noble Prince, or how to forgive, . . 09 

Tales of Intemperance, . . .20 

The favorite Son, . . . .15 

Creation, . . . . .08 

A Jewish Babe, or Moses among the Flags, . 08 

Sabbath Scholar's Companion, . . 01 

Superintendent's Companion, . . .01 

Teacher's Companion, . . . .01 

A set of 32 Cards for infant Sabbath Schools, 1.25 

A set of 13 miscellaneous Cards for infant Sab- 
bath Schools, . . . . .50 

Clara Welford : or the Widow of Monmouth. 
Part III 30 

The Adventures of Lot, the Nephew of Abra- 
ham, . . . . . .21 

Fraternal Love, . . . . .12 

Jonah's Flight, 09 



Mass. Sabbath School Society. 7 

Price. 

A wise Son, . . . .09 

Infant Sabbath School Question and Bible Pic- 
ture Book. No. I. . . . 06 

Wisdom and her Ways, . . .09 

Filial Obedience, . . . .12 

The Dawn of Divine Light upon popish Dark- 
ness, ...... 37i 

Astronomy, or the Perfections of God display- 
ed in his Works, . . . 37£ 
Newcomb's Scripture Questions, for the use of 
Sabbath Schools and Bible Classes, . . 20 

Prospective Missions in Western Africa, . 28 

Biblical Catechism. No. IV. . . . 05 

Parent's Monitor and Teacher's Assistant. 2 
Vols, each, . . . . .24 

Merrill's Harmony of the Kings and Prophets, 1.00 

Philip Everhard : or a History of the Baptist 

Missions among the N. American Indians, . 21 
History of Hayti, .... 13J 

History of the American Baptist African and 

Haytien Missions, .... 13£ 

The Bible Class Book, Nos.2 and 3, each, . 05 

Class Papers, per hundred, . . .50 

Jewish Wars, . . . . .20 

Ellen and Maria, . . . .15 

Gift for Daughters, . . . .12 



Sabbath School Publications 



Childhood the Spring of Life, . 


Price 

. 09 


King Hezekiah, 


. 12 


The Sisters, 


. 12 


Favel, — The Genevese Reformation, 


. 09 


Jonah's Gourd, . 


. 12 


Teacher's New Year's Gift, 


. 01 


The Sabbath School Harp, 


. 30 


Ellen, a Visit of the Rod, 


. 15 



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